Tanning Tips & Tricks

Have you ever wondered how a self tanner actually works? How do you avoid looking blotchy? And how oh how do you get that gorgeous natural bronze glow? Our best tanning tips and tricks to help you look your best every day of the year.

What’s in a fake tan, how does it work?

The most effective lotions and sprays contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a non-toxic, colourless sugar. The skin has two main layers: the epidermis on the outside and the dermis on the inside. DHA works by interacting with the proteins in the dead skin cells in the epidermis - the reaction makes your skin look brown.

How to best avoid a patchy, streaky glow?

The key is to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. It's also best to have totally 'de-fuzzed', shaved or waxed at least 12 hours beforehand. Make sure your skin is totally dry and free from oils or creams - these tend to act as a barrier and can inhibit the tanner from sticking to your skin. Do dab a little moisturiser on the rougher areas of your skin - elbows, knees - to stop the tanner patching in these dry skin areas.

Start with the larger areas of your body first like your legs, arms and tummy working towards hands and feet. A gradual tanner is an easy way to avoid streaking these usually have a lower DHA content so your tan is lighter (try our Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturizer in either a pump or a spray).

Tips on using a Spray tanner.

Always apply in the bathroom. Tan that’s sprayed astray can be wiped off tiles and ceramic surfaces easily.

Be prepared to spray and spread! Spray tans still need to be applied and spread evenly just as you would a lotion or foam, so be prepared – after spraying you still need smooth it over your skin evenly.

NOTE: It's important you wash your hands immediately after application or use tanning mits to protect your hands.

Make your tan last longer:

Chlorine and salt water tend to eat away at your skin and quickly erode a sunless tan. Our best tip is to keep topping up - a gradual tanner is perfect for easy daily top ups of colour.